Song meaning of Шла война (There was a war) by Гражданская Оборона (Grazhdanskaya Oborona)

The song "Шла война (There was a war)" by Гражданская Оборона (Grazhdanskaya Oborona) tells the story of a soldier going to Berlin during a war. In the first verse, the lyrics convey the soldier's journey towards Berlin, while reassuring his mother not to cry for him because he is a happy son. The second verse describes the soldier's slow and determined progress, not minding the strain on his soldier's feet. However, his journey takes a tragic turn as he is struck by a gunshot and stumbles. The final verse depicts the soldier falling on his back among the aspen trees and fading away. Yet again, the mother is urged not to cry for her son because he is a happy son.

The lyrics of this song evoke deep emotions and highlight the harsh realities of war. The mention of the soldier's slow pace reminds us of the sacrifices made by those in the military. The mother's resilience in being told not to cry for her son suggests that it is a common occurrence in times of war. Overall, the lyrics convey a poignant message about the price paid by individuals and families during times of conflict. It emphasizes the tragedy of war and encourages listeners to consider the human cost of such conflicts.